Include as much information as possible (in the course/event marketing and in the event joining information) about physical access issues, the availability of quiet resting spaces and the ability to support additional learning needs.

Ask about specific needs as part of the event joining information. Be honest and realistic about whether these needs can be met.

Consider having lower cost or free places for Carers of people with CI/D. (Chronic Illness and/or Disability)

Invite a person with CI/D to speak or lead a session/workshop at events and on courses about accessing permaculture for people with CI/D.

Include people with CI/D as part of the design team when creating permaculture information sharing, event, courses or new designs for demonstration sites.

Consider whether learning materials/event/course/volunteering options could be broken down into smaller sections. Is it be possible to charge for each section separately? (This would avoid a person with a CI/D needing to pay a full price for only attending a fraction of the event.)

Design Permaculture Design Courses (PDC) as modular courses (either online or face to face) so that people can attend and pay for one module at a time.

Choose venues and activities for your events that are accessible for people who have reduced mobility and who need for spaces to rest.

Ensure provision of quiet spaces to rest at events/courses/demonstration sites, including space to lie down.

Design new demonstration sites (and redesign existing sites) so that they include accessibility for people with CI/D as a core function.

Create a “buddy” system in your local permaculture network and/or events – with the aim of providing extra support for people with CI/D, thereby improving inclusivity.

Create a culture of care and empowerment at your event/course/demonstration site. Ensure awareness of permission and encouragement for people to take time out for self-care whenever they need to.

Provide information and engage in awareness-raising relating to health risks that may result from attending permaculture events and demonstration sites. Some examples of these are tick-borne illnesses (Lyme disease and others); leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) from urine of infected animals, most commonly from rats; injuries and their associated sepsis risk; sunburn/heatstroke.

Excellent list!
One thing to add: in your course description let people know what the physical requirements will be for participation.

Reply

Sue Laverack

1/8/2019 06:38:28 pm

Thank you KT. I understand why you have chosen the points you have but there is little relevant to my disability I am hard of hearing and even with hearing aids struggle to make sense of verbal information. I need to be able to see the speaker. It helps a lot of they write everything on a flipchart. If they have a good handout so I do not need to take notes but can give all my attention to listening. if a small group is not in the same room as others as I cannot sort out which voice I need to listen to. Even in hospitals I have had to explain to staff that I cannot use a normal phone, hear them if they turn away from me, or if there is a lot of background noise. I neither need not want a carer or signed - just understanding from others and flexibility!

Reply

Katie Shepherd

21/1/2020 12:47:35 pm

Hi Sue - sorry for the very late reply to your comment! For some reason I hadnt been aware that you had made it. Thanks for taking the time to respond and you make some very valid points. My article didn't aim to address the many diverse types of varying abilities/disabilities folk may have, rather to create a culture and understanding of some of the themes and shared challenges/needs. Thanks again for your response, Ive made a not of your points for future reference, best wishes Katie

Reply

Leave a Reply.

Blog

Welcome to my new blog, born at the festival of Samhain 2018, the Pagan New Year. Here I aim to share regular everyday examples of how permaculture can provide healing and regeneration for ourselves, our communities and our planet.

Search my Blog

Sign up for my monthly newsletter, Full Moon Flourish. Here I will be sharing updates about my creative permaculture projects, plus links to inspiring work from other women in permaculture.